1. LAND USE LAND COVER CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
NJDEP MODIFIED ANDERSON SYSTEM 2002
Derived from: A Land Use and Land Cover Classification System for Use with Remote Sensor Data, U. S.
Geological Survey Professional Paper 964, 1976; edited by NJDEP, OIRM, BGIA, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002,
2005, 2007. (Classes used in NJDEP mapping programs shown in bold)
1000 URBAN OR BUILT-UP LAND
The Level 1 Urban or Built-up Land category is characterized by intensive land use where the landscape
has been altered by human activities. Although structures are usually present, this category is not
restricted to traditional urban areas. Urban or Built-up Land Level II categories include Residential;
Commercial and Service; Industrial; Transportation, Communication and Utilities; Industrial and
Commercial Complexes; Mixed Urban or Built-up; Other Urban or Build-up and Recreational. Included
with each of the above land uses are associated lands, buildings, parking lots, access roads, and other
appurtenances, unless these are specifically excluded.
Urban or Built-up Land takes precedence over other categories when the criteria for more than one
category are met. For example, recreational areas that have enough tree cover to meet Forest category
criteria are placed in the Recreational category.
1100 RESIDENTIAL
The residential category includes single-family residences, multiple-unit dwellings and mobile homes.
Also included is the mixed residential group, which is comprised of two or more of the above groups.

2. Residential areas are easily identified on aerial photographs by the shapes and patterns of individual
houses, housing developments and multiple dwelling (apartment or condominium) complexes. They
can also be identified by their proximity to urban centers or roadways.
Residential areas which are integral parts of other land uses and located on the site of that land use are
included in that land use category. For example, residential units may be found on military bases or on
college campuses in the form of barracks, apartments or dormitories. These residences would be
mapped as their associated land use.
Residential area categories are based on density in terms of dwelling units per acre (DUPA). In order to
determine density at Level III mapping scale, an acre grid is placed over residential areas on the
photoquad base map and the number of residential structures or portions of a structure is counted. An
average number of dwelling units per acre is determined and the area is mapped accordingly. Multiple
unit structures, such as 2 or 3-family homes, may be included within single-unit residential areas since
they are not extensive enough to be mapped individually. Also, commercial areas too small to be
mapped separately may be found within residential areas.
1110 Residential (High Density or Multiple dwelling)
This category contains either high-density single units or multiple dwelling units on 1/8 to 1/5-acre lots.
These areas are found in the densely populated urban zones and generally are characterized by
impervious surface coverage of ~65%.
1111 Single Unit, High Density
This category contains single unit residential areas of more than 5 dwellings per acre. These are
generally found in densely populated urban areas.
1112 Multiple Dwelling, Low Rise (3 stories or less)
This category contains residential areas of 2 and 3 family homes, row houses and garden apartments of
up to 3 stories. These are generally found in the urban or urban fringe areas of cities.
1113 Multiple Dwelling, High Rise (4 stories or more)
This category includes residential areas comprised of condominiums, apartment complexes and towers
of 4 stories or more, generally found in or near urban areas. Multiple dwelling residences can be
identified on aerial photography by their size, height, construction pattern and the location of driveways
and parking lots.
1120 Residential (Single Unit, Medium Density)
This category is comprised of residential urban/suburban neighborhoods greater than 1/8 acre and up
to and including ½ acre lots. These areas generally contain impervious surface areas of ~30-35%
1130 Residential (Single Unit, Low Density)
This category contains single unit residential neighborhoods with areas greater than ½ acre up to and
including 1-acre lots. These areas generally contain impervious surface areas of ~20-25%

3. 1140 Residential (Rural, Single Unit)
This category contains single unit residential neighborhoods with areas between 1 acre and up to and
including 2-acre lots. These areas generally contain impervious surface areas of ~15-20% or less. This
type is found in sparsely populated regions surrounded by or adjacent to forested or agricultural lands.
Also included are estates or modern sub-divisions with large lot sizes providing a density less than or
equal to 1 dwelling unit per acre. Impervious surface areas in the more rural settings can be as low as
5%.
1150 Mixed Residential
The mixed residential category is used for an area where various residential uses occur and the
individual uses cannot be separated at mapping scale (1 acre). Where more than 1/3 intermixture of
other residential use or uses occurs in a specific area, it is classified as mixed residential. Where the
inter-mixtures of other residential land use or uses total less than 1/3 of the speci fied area, the
dominant land use category is applied. Impervious surface coverage in these areas can vary
significantly.
1200 COMMERCIAL & SERVICES
Areas that contain structures predominantly used for the sale of products and services are classified as
Commercial and Services.
The main building, secondary structures and supporting areas such as parking lots, driveways and
landscaped areas are also placed under this category, (unless the landscaped areas are greater than 1
acre in size in which case they are put into a separate category). Sometimes non-commercial uses such
as residential or industrial intermix with commercial uses making it difficult to identify the predominant
land use. These categories are not separated out; but, if they exceed 1/3 of the total commercial area,
the Mixed Urban category (16) is used. Often, specific uses of some commercial and services buildings
cannot be easily identified from photography alone. Some supplemental information is required. These
areas generally have a high percentage of impervious surface coverage. Any of the specific uses listed
below may be included in the 1200 category, with the exception of Military Installations which are
delineated separately under the code 1211.
1201 Central Business District (CBD)
These are the "downtown" banking and commercial centers of cities or towns where land use is largely
undifferentiated. Retail stores, banks, office buildings, post offices, libraries, firehouses and courthouses
are examples of structures that may comprise a CBD. Some public land uses such as schools and
cemeteries are separated out into other categories if they are of a mappable size.
CBDs can exist in any size city or town. Metropolitan CBDs can be easily identified by their large number
of high-rise buildings surrounded by parking lots. They are usually easily accessed by interstate bypass
routes. Medium-size CBDs contain 3 and 4 story buildings fronted by parking spaces. They are away
from the main traffic intersections of cities and often expand outward from railroad lines. Small towns
CBDs contain 2 or 3 story buildings that line the streets and are in close proximity to residential
structures. They usually parallel main traffic arteries.

4. 1202 Commercial Strip Development
This is the commercial activity developed along major highway and access roads to cities and towns in a
more or less single strip. Motel accommodations, car dealers, fast food services, gas stations and other
similar goods and services establishments are examples that may comprise a Commercial strip. Location
of these building along a main vehicular transportation route is the key criterion. Frequently, especially
in suburban areas, residential and industrial land uses intermix with Commercial Strip Development.
When these uses exceed 1/3 of the total contiguous length of the Commercial Strip, the Mixed Urban
category is used.
1203 Isolated Commercial Establishments for Goods and/or Services
This category pertains to commercial establishments providing goods and services for direct consumer
use. Isolated single commercial buildings or isolated cluster of commercial buildings that are not part of
a Commercial Strip Development or a well-defined CBD are included in this category.
These buildings are distinguished from Isolated Commercial Office Buildings (1204) because they
provide goods and services for direct consumer use while 1204 does not. Some examples are fast food
services, dry cleaners, gas stations and banks. Professional buildings that house medical offices, real
estate brokers, law firms and travel agents are included in this category as well.
1204 Isolated Commercial Office Buildings
This category pertains to scattered commercial development, specifically commercial office buildings
(not providing goods and services for direct consumer use). Isolated single commercial buildings or
isolated clusters of commercial buildings that are not part of a Commercial Strip Development or well -
defined CBD are included in this category. These buildings are distinguished from the Isolated
Establishments for Goods and Services because they do not provide products and services directly to the
consumer. Buildings can house administrative and support staffs for large corporations or staffs for
several smaller businesses. These buildings can range in size from 2 to 3 stories to high-rise structures.
When several Commercial Office Buildings exist together and share common driveways, parking lots and
lawns they are placed in the industrial and Commercial Park category (151).
1205 Shopping Centers
A Shopping Center is a group of retail stores and other commercial establishments planned, developed,
owned and managed as a unit, with off-street parking provided on the property. Shopping centers
range in size from those of just a few thousand square feet to plazas covering acres. Key identification
features are large and often interconnecting buildings surrounded by well-paved parking lots located
near interchanges and highways. Retention ponds located on the property, if of a mappable size are
included in the Artificial Lake category (531).
1206 Resorts, Hotels, Motels & Related facilities
These facilities usually associated with leisure time activities contain over-night accommodations, dining
facilities, services and recreational activities. They range in size from converted farmhouses to luxury
resort hotels. Features that help define them such as tennis courts, pools, golf courses, ski slopes and

5. well kept lawns and gardens are all included in the category. (These features are included with the
resort since they are private and not accessible to non-paying guests). Hotels within urban areas are
generally not mapped separately because they are difficult to distinguish from other commercial
buildings.
1207 Educational Institutions
This category includes all levels of public and private schools, colleges, universities and training centers.
All buildings, campus open space, dormitories and parking areas are included. Not included are
recreational facilities such as ball fields, tennis courts, stadiums and swimming pools. These recreational
facilities are included in Recreation (18) if they are of a mappable size. Universities can often be
identified by a maze of walkways linking various buildings. Elementary and secondary schools are
usually 1 or 2 story buildings surrounded by recreational fields and located in residential areas away
from high traffic volumes. Any educational activity associated with religious institutions involving parish
schools, seminaries, orphanages and novitiates, if of a mappable size, are included in this category.
1208 Health Institutions
Any facility providing direct health care to the public such as hospitals, mental health institutions,
sanitariums, special care centers, major clinics and nursing homes are included in this category. Some
identifiable features may include circular drives, covered main entrances, multi-story buildings with
wings, large parking lots and spacious grounds.
1209 Correctional Institutions
Prisons and rehabilitation centers make up this category. They can be identified by high walls and
controlled access points. Topographic maps should be consulted to make sure minimum security
prisons are not over-looked. Land uses, such as farmland or quarries associated with prisons are
mapped separately according to their appropriate lane cover/land use category.
1210 Government Centers

6. This category includes any state, regional, county or municipal office buildings. They can range in size
from 1 or 2 story buildings to high-rise complexes. Any government office located in the CBD (1201) or
along a Commercial Strip (1202) is included in those categories unless it is of a mappable size.
1211 Military Installations
Military bases and camps, armories, ordinance depots, missile sites, National Guard and Reserve
armories are included in this category. Boundaries of major military installations are identified by fence
lines and roads along their perimeter. Military facilities have a wide variety of conditions including
training camps, missile sites, etc. Auxiliary land uses, particularly residential, commercial and other
supporting uses located on a military base should be included in this category.
1212 Other Institutional
This category includes any other institutions not included in the other categories. Some examples are
churches, synagogues, convents, special research facilities, medical research facilities not open to the
public, and social clubs associated with established organizations.
1213 Mixed Commercial & Services

7. This category is used when a mix of various commercial uses and services exi st and no one category
predominates. When more than 1/3 of one commercial use is mixed with another use this Mixed
category is used. Where the intermixture total less than 1/3 then the dominant use is mapped.
1214 Former Military; Indeterminate Use
Included in this category are portions of former military installations, that have been de -commissioned
and sold. New development of these areas has not yet begun, so particular use can be determined from
the photography. Many of the undeveloped portions of these former military sites may remain as
preserved undeveloped open space. Developed areas may be re-developed for other uses. However, in
all cases, the new intended use is not discernible from the latest available photography, or other
ancillary data.
1300 INDUSTRIAL
This category encompasses a great variety of structure types and land uses. Light and heavy industry
are comprised of land uses where manufacturing, assembly or processing of products takes place.
Power generation is included here because of its similarity to heavy industry. These areas generally have
a high percentage of impervious surface coverage.

8. 1310 Light Industrial
Light industry deals with design, assembly, finishing, packaging, and storing of products or materials that
have usually been processed at least once. These activities are characterized as "clean", since they
produce a relatively small amount of smoke and other effluents, noise, and dust.
Light industries include facilities for administration, research, assembly, storage, warehousing, and
shipping. Examples are electronics firms, trucking companies, small textile mills, and auto assembly
plants. Characteristic features may include the nature of the buildings, parking and shipping
arrangements, the presence of outdoor storage facilities, trailer trucks, loading docks, rail lines, power
sources and smokestacks.
1320 Heavy Industrial
Heavy industry involves the processing of raw materials such as iron ore, timber, petroleum or coal, or
the fabrication and assemblage of parts that are bulky and heavy

9. Examples of heavy industry are steel, pulp, and lumber mills, oil refineries and tank farms, chemical
plants, and grain mills. Recognizable features include blast furnaces, kilns, chemical processing towers,
large chimneys or stacks, fuel tanks, boiler house, transformer yards, silos, bins and piles and ponds of
water. Also included in this category are surface structures associated with mining operations: loading
devices, trucks, access roads processing facilities, stock piles, and storage sheds.
1330 Power Generation
There are three main types of power generators: thermal, nuclear and hydroelectric. Features common
to all three types are the presence of transmission lines and transformer yards, and often, proximity to
water.
Both thermal and nuclear plants usually have cooling towers for used water. Thermal plants often have
associated coal piles and conveyor belts leading to the main plants. Nuclear plants have a characteristic
nuclear reactor building. Hydroelectric plants are usually at the dams of large reservoirs or impounded
streams, or at an elevation break on a watercourse. Typical features include a dam and trailraces.
1400 TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION & UTILITIES

10. The transportation, communication, and utilities land uses are often associated with the other Urban or
Built-up categories, but are often found in other categories. However, they often do not meet minimum
mappable size and are considered an integral part of the land use in which they occur. The presence of
major transportation routes, utilities such as sewage treatment plants and power lines, power
substations, and communication facilities greatly influence both the present and potential uses of an
area. These areas generally have a high percentage of impervious surface coverage .
1410 Major Roadway (2002)
Major roadways include limited access highways that typically contain at least two lanes in each
direction, separated by a concrete barrier or median strip. There are usually no cross streets or traffic
lights, and access is limited to ramps. Included in this category are service (rest) areas, right -of-ways,
interchanges, maintained hillsides, other service and terminal faci lities and portions of local roads.
Examples are interstates, U.S. highways and freeways.
Limited access highways are characterized by "diamond" and "clover-leaf" patterns of ramps, crossroads
intersecting via underpasses or overpasses, and the lack of adjacent residential, commercial or industrial
development with direct connections to the highway. Limited access highways right -of-way are often
bounded by fences or drainage paths.
1419 Bridge Over Water (2002 - WATER)

11. Bridges over water are characterized by having significance in the delineation of watercourses flowing
below. Any bridge or portion of roadway constructed over a mappable open water body has been
identified and characterized as water. Although the bridge surface is impervious, the structure does not
impact or alter the impervious nature of the water flowing below.
1420 Railroad Facilities
Railway facilities include railroads and spurs as well as stations, parking lots, roundhouses, power
generators, and repair and switching yards. Spurs that connect industrial or extractive pick-up points
with main rail lines are included in the appropriate industrial or extractive category.
1430 Bus and Truck Terminals
Bus and truck terminals are characterized by long buildings with truck trailers or buses adjacent to them.
There are large paved areas surrounding the garages, which are used for maneuvering and parking.
Terminals are often located in close proximity to major transportation routes.
1440 Airport Facilities (2002)

12. Airport facilities are characterized by the presence of long, linear runway surfaces and adjacent areas
cleared of vegetation and other obstructions.
Typical moderate to large-sized airports contain parallel primary runways, smaller parallel taxi strips,
intervening land, aircraft parking aprons, hangars, terminals, service buildings, navigation aids, fuel
storage areas, parking lots, and limited buffer zones. This category also include heliports and land
associated with seaplane bases. It does not include other built-up land of small airports.
1450 Port Facilities
Seaports are isolated areas of high utilization with no well -defined intervening connections. Included in
this category are docks, piers, shipyards, drydocks, locks, waterway control structures, buildings, parking
lots and adjacent water utilized by ships in the loading or unloading of cargo or passengers.
1460 Power Facilities
Power facilities include power substations associated with transmission line right-of-ways where the
right-of-way is clearly visible on aerial photography and not used for any other purpose. On aerial
photography, power substations appear as geometric configuration with associated transformers and
transmission lines extending outward. Those associated with an industrial, commercial, or extractive
land uses are included in this category.

13. Right-of-ways in urban and agricultural land are sometimes difficult to see because there is usually no
demarcation from the surrounding land. Additionally, the surrounding activity also occurs in the right-of-way
most of the time and would be mapped as the Level III category it is traversing.
When there is a clear demarcation of the right-of-way, it would be mapped separately when traversing a
wetland, a forest, or an urban environment, but would be mapped as a 1461, 1462, or 1463 Level III
category.
For example, transmission line right-of-ways are clearly discernible where they traverse forest: there are
no trees, and vegetation growth is controlled through periodic mowing or herbicides. These areas are
allowed to regenerate for 5 to 10 years and do support a variety of wildlife during this period. This
differs greatly from areas obviously maintained on a much more frequent basis.
1461 Wetland Rights-of-Way (WETLAND)
Included in this category are rights-of-way that exist in former wetland areas, and which still exhibit
evidence of soil saturation on the photography. Because of alterations associated with creating the
rights-of-way and the periodic clearing, these areas may not support the typical natural wetland
vegetation found in adjacent unaltered natural areas. They may, however, support shrubby forms of the
surrounding vegetation. They do, however, exist in areas shown on the Natural Resources Conservation
Service soil surveys to have hydric soils, and exhibit the darker tonal signatures associated with
saturated soils on the photography. Colors of these areas will vary generally from blue -gray to black on
winter CIR film and dark gray to black on panchromatic film. Textures will generally be smooth to

14. slightly rough depending on whether the dominant vegetation is low herbaceous species or taller
shrubs.
1462 Upland Rights-of-Way, Developed (2002)
Included in this category are Rights-of-Way in uplands that exist in developed areas. These areas looked
well maintained, usually in mowed grass, but are not part of adjacent land use. It should include areas
adjacent to urban or agricultural areas but not visibly used in connection with any agricultural or urban
land use. They may contain access roads and have a clear separation from surrounding land use.
Because of alterations associated with maintaining these portions of the rights-of-way, these areas may
not support typical natural vegetation. Textures will generally be smooth due to the lack of low
herbaceous species or taller shrubs.
1463 Upland Rights-of-Way, Undeveloped (2002)
Included in this category are Rights-of-Way in uplands that usually exist in undeveloped non-urban
areas. They typically support shrubby forms of the surrounding vegetation, which may be periodically
cut or mowed back. Because of alterations associated with creating the rights-of-way, these areas may
support the natural vegetation found in adjacent unaltered natural areas. It should also include areas
adjacent to agricultural areas but not visibly used in connection with any agricultural or urban land use.
Textures will generally be smooth to slightly rough depending on whether the dominant vegetation is
low herbaceous species or taller shrubs.

15. 1470 Water Treatment Facilities
Water treatment facilities consist of buildings with adjacent circular or rectangular tanks. They are
usually restricted to moderately sized towns and cities, rather than rural areas. Water treatment
facilities and sewage treatment facilities are often similar in appearance on aerial photography.
However, many water treatment facilities are upstream from the community served, whereas the
sewage treatment facilities are often downstream.
1480 Sewage Treatment Facilities
Sewage treatment plants are often adjacent to streams or rivers. Identifiable features include an array
of rectangular or circular tanks for initial processing, settling and aeration, and associated low buildings.
Like water treatment facilities, they are usually restricted to moderately sized towns and cities rather
than rural areas, where individual septic systems are prevalent. Also included in this category are
pumping stations, sewage mains, and tertiary treatment fields.
1490 Other Transportation, Communication and Utilities
This category consists of related facilities not included in any of the previous Level III categories.
Included are radio, radar, and television antennas, microwave stations, water towers, and lighthouses.
Towers include the land enclosed by guide wires. Fence-lines, trimmed or mowed grounds, and access
roads are associated with many of these facilities.
1499 Stormwater Basin (2002)

16. This category consists of stormwater management basins or areas identified as serving the function of a
surface water collection site. They are typically associated with new commercial and residential areas.
They may contain water and show varying degrees of management or vegetation.
1500 INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES
The Industrial and Commercial Complexes category includes those industrial and commercial land uses
that typically occur together or in close proximity. These areas are commonly referred to as "Industrial
or Commercial Parks." The major types of business establishments located in these planned industrial
and commercial parks are light manufacturing, administration offices, research and development
facilities, and computer systems companies. Also found here are facilities for warehousing, wholesaling,
retailing and distributing.
Industrial and Commercial Complexes are usually located in suburban or rural areas. The key identifying
feature is the planned layout of buildings exhibiting the same or very similar construction. Other
identifying features include well kept lawns and landscaped areas, ample parking areas and common
roadways connecting buildings that also provide access to major highways. The lack of smokestacks,
storage tanks, raw materials or finished products, and waste signifies that no heavy industries are
present. These areas generally have a high percentage of impervious surface coverage (~85%) and some
may be up to 100%.

17. 1510 Industrial and Commercial Parks
See category 15 for description. Clusters of commercial office buildings that happen to exist side by side
but do not share common roadways and landscaped areas are included in the Isolated Commercial
Office building category (1204).
1600 MIXED URBAN OR BUILT-UP
This category includes those urban or built-up areas for which uses cannot be separated into individual
categories at the mapping scale employed. Areas are identified under the mixed urban category when
more than one-third intermixture of another use or uses is evident.
Uses considered in mixed urban include primarily residential, commercial/service, industrial and
transportation/communication/utility. Not included in the category are areas considered part of a
definable commercial strip as described under 1202. In addition, open land that could be classified for
any agricultural use would not be included in the mixed urban category.

18. Level 3 divisions of the Mixed Urban category involve separating the mixed areas based on the
predominant use in the intermixture, if one is evident.
1610 - Predominantly Residential - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be identified as Residential).
1620 - Predominantly Commercial/Service - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be identified as
Commercial/Service).
1630 - Predominantly Industrial - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be identified as Industrial).
1640 - Predominantly Transportation/Communication/Utilities - (>50%, but <66% of the use can be
identified as Transportation/Communication/Utilities).
1650 - Heterogeneous Mixture - (No single use in the intermixture comprises more than 50%).

19. 1700 OTHER URBAN OR BUILT-UP
Included are undeveloped, open lands within, adjacent to or associated with urban areas. Some
structures may be visible, as in the case of abandoned residential or commercial sites that have not yet
been redeveloped. The land cover in these areas may be brush-covered or grassy. Large, managed,
maintained lawns common to some residential areas, and those open areas of commercial/service
complexes, educational installations, etc., are also included. Undeveloped, but maintained lawns in
urban parks are also part of this category, if a specific recreational use is not evident. In addition, areas
that have been partially developed or redeveloped but remain unfinished are included. Cemeteries
were included in this category in 1986 & 1995, but were separated out for 2002.
1710 Cemetery (2002)
These areas represent large tracts of primarily open land within urban areas. Large cemeteries can be
identified by layout of driveways, lots, mausoleums and marking stones. Cemeteries associated with
small towns, individual churches or family estates may not be easily identifiable. Supplemental
information is often needed to identify these smaller cemeteries.
1711 Cemetery on Wetland (2002 - WETLANDS)
These areas represent large tracts of primarily open land within urban or rural areas on land identified
as wetland. Large cemeteries can be identified by layout of driveways, lots, mausoleums and marking

20. stones. Cemeteries associated with small towns, individual churches or family estates may not be easily
identifiable. Supplemental information is often needed to identify these smaller cemeteries.
1720 Undeveloped Land Within Urban Areas
Within this category are those areas generally considered vacant lots. These areas may never have been
developed, or may represent formerly built-up that have been entirely or partially cleared, but not
redeveloped. Included would be abandoned manufacturing or commercial sites that could be
redeveloped. Areas within this category are generally brush or grass-covered and may or may not be
maintained. Buildings may be present, interspersed with brush areas and concrete or black top.
1730 Inactive Land With Street Patterns
This category represents areas for which development or redevelopment was started, but which has
been abandoned after some street construction has been completed. No active development i s visible.
These areas typically would support residential developments if completed, but some industrial or
commercial development may be found here. These areas generally have low vegetative cover, possibly
with sporadic trees and may or may not be maintained.
1740 Open Areas

21. Included in this category are miscellaneous open areas within urban settings that do not fall into any of
the other categories. Many areas identified as 174 have planned and maintained feature, such as a
central lawn area within a suburban development or a commercial and/or corporate complex, that
provides "open space.” Some areas that are not maintained may be included here.
1741 Phragmites Dominate Urban Area (2002)
This category contains urban areas where the common reed, Phragmites australis dominates. The
photographic signatures for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to silvery pale
white.
1750 Managed Wetland in Maintained Lawn Greenspace
Included in this category are former natural wetland areas that now are part of an altered managed
landscape, but which still exhibit signs of soil saturation on the imagery. These areas do not support
typical wetland vegetation, but are vegetated primarily by grasses and other planted vegetation that
may be routinely mowed. Examples of this category would be maintained open lawns and storm water
swales in residential, commercial or industrial areas. None of the wetlands included in this category are
routinely inundated, although the swales may be on occasion. These altered wetlands exist on areas
shown on the US Soil Conservation Service soil surveys to have hydric soils.

22. 1800 RECREATIONAL LAND
Under this category are included those areas which have been specifically developed for recreational
activities, if these areas are open to the general public. Any facilities that are part of a resort complex
and open only to patrons of the hotel or motel are not mapped under category 18, but under
Commercial and Services category. Facilities mapped as recreational land may charge user fees to the
public, such as public golf courses; or, they may be free to the public, such as ball fields on public school
grounds. Level III divisions of this category involve identifying the predominant recreational uses of the
areas.
1801 Golf Courses
All par 3 courses and above are included, both public and private, unless associated with a resort
hotel/motel. Courses can be identified by greens, fairways, sand traps, water hazards, club houses, and
parking areas. Additional facilities often associated with golf courses, such as tennis courts, pools,
parking, etc. are not identified separately but included in the 1801 category. Ponds, wetlands and other
water bodies are, however, identified separately under the appropriate category if they meet minimum
polygon size.
1802 Picnic and Camping Parks

23. This category includes areas that are set aside for picnicking and camping specifically and associated
activities (hiking, etc.). Commercial and private tent and trailer campgrounds are included, unless they
are part of a resort complex. Any open areas associated with either picnicking or camping areas that
exceed one acre are mapped out under category 1809. Supplemental information may be needed to
identify picnic or camping areas in forested regions.
1803 Marina and Boat Launches
Public and private facilities consisting of docks, storage, storage buildings, boat ramps, jetties, piers, and
parking areas are included in this category. Boats may or may not be visible because of photo scale.
Small, primarily state-owned launching sites will generally not be visible on the small scale air photos.
1804 Athletic Fields (Schools): Community Recreation Areas
Included in this category are a variety of recreational facilities which are not part of established parks,
such as baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and playgrounds. These may be associated with
schools. Industrial and commercial firms, or a community housing development.
1805 Parks

24. City, town, county and state parks that are maintained by a government agency are included in this
category. What is actually mapped in this category is park headquarters, parking lots and accessory
buildings. Open areas, swimming pools and beaches, golf courses, picnic and camping facilities, etc. are
mapped separately under their appropriate category.
1806 Swimming Pools
Included are public and commercial facilities such as swim clubs and city-operated pools. Pools
associated with country clubs, motels, resorts and private residences are not mapped. Support buildings
and parking areas are mapped in this category, as are any tennis courts, etc. which may be associated
with the pool.
1807 Swimming Beaches
These areas are specifically man-made beaches adjacent to lakes or ponds, which have been developed
for recreational activities. Parking areas are included, but the water is identified under the appropriate
water category.
1808 Formal Lawns, Arboretums and Landscaped Areas

25. Included are landscaped areas that are associated with facilities open to the public such as gardens.
Similar areas associated with private estates are not included within this category. Public facilities are
identifiable by general layout, associated roadways, parking areas, and support buildings, all of which
are mapped as part of 1808.
1809 Open Areas in Parks
This category includes any open area within a city, town, county, or state park that meets minimum
mapping polygon size and which is not developed for any specific recreation activity.
1810 Stadium, Theaters, Cultural Centers, and Zoos (2002)
Included in this category is any entertainment facility that is developed for public use. Stadiums,
outdoor concert halls, racetracks (horse and car), drive-in theaters, amusement parks, and zoos are the
primary facilities involved. Such facilities are primarily commercial, although some public recreation
areas may be found. Not included are similar facilities on private property, such as horse tracks within
private farms, that are open to the public. Parking areas, driveways, and support buildings are mapped
in this category.
1811 Other Recreational

26. Included are rifle, skeet, and archery ranges, ski and winter sport areas, fairgrounds, etc., that do not fall
into any of the above categories. These areas often have conspicuous signatures, such as ski runs, but
form a small part of the land area of New Jersey.
1850 Managed Wetland in Built-up Maintained Recreation Area (WETLANDS)
Included in this category are former natural wetland areas that now are part of an altered managed
recreational area, but which still exhibit signs of soil saturation on the imagery. These areas do not
support typical wetland vegetation, but are vegetated primarily by grasses and other planted vegetation
that may be routinely mowed. Examples of this category would be saturated portions of golf courses,
and fields used for baseball and other sports in designated recreation areas. None of the wetlands
included in this category are routinely inundated, although portions may be on occasion. These altered
wetlands exist on areas shown on the US Soil Conservation Service soil surveys to have hydric soils.
2000 AGRICULTURAL LAND
This Level I category includes all lands used primarily for the production of food and fiber and some of
the structures associated with this production. These areas are easily distinguished from the other
categories and represent a significant land use in New Jersey. The Level II categories of Agricultural Land
are; Cropland and Pastureland; Orchards; Vineyards; Nurseries and Horticultural Areas; Confined
Feeding Operations; and Other environmental concern because of the non-point source pollution
associated with confined feeding operations.

27. 2100 CROPLAND AND PASTURELAND
This Level II category contains agricultural lands managed for the production of both row and field crops
and for the grazing of cattle, sheep and horses. Also included in this category are croplands left fallow
or planted with soil improvement grasses and legumes. Cropland and pastureland can easily be
distinguished from other land uses with large-scale imagery.
2110 Harvested Cropland
This category contains agricultural areas that are managed for the production of harvested row or field
crops. These include row crops, such as corn, soybeans, cabbage, and potatoes; or field crops
predominately used as forage, such as hay or alfalfa. Row crops are easily identified on imagery because
of the striations and the regular patterns. However, there are problems distinguishing between field
crops, such as hay or winter wheat, from pastureland.
Pastureland can be distinguished because of its close association with farm structures such as barns or
feeding stations. Also, pastureland usually has a slightly more mottled or uneven tone than the
photographic signature of field crops.

28. 2120 Pastureland
This category contains agricultural areas that are managed as pasture areas for livestock grazing. These
areas may be either permanent pastures or tillable cropland that is used as pasture at the time of
photography. The identification problems using imagery alone are discussed in Section 2110.
Identification of pastureland, field cropland, and inactive cropland may require field verification or other
supplemental information. Pasture may be covered by some brush but are included in 2120 if the
predominant use is for pasture.
2130 Inactive Cropland
This category contains agricultural areas that have no physical indication of present agricultural use.
These areas include both abandoned cropland and fields left fallow or planted in soil -improving grasses
and legumes. An indication of inactive cropland is the presence of any woody stems in the field. The
area is placed in the Brushland category if the woody stems cover is abundant and the field appears to
be abandoned rather then left fallow for soil improvement. An area is placed in Brushland as either Old
Field (4410) or Brush/Shrubland (4430,4440) depending on the percentage of brush cover.
2140 Agricultural Wetlands (WETLANDS)

29. Included in this category are lands under cultivation that are modified former wetland areas, and which
still exhibit evidence of soil saturation on the photography. These lands will exhibit the textural
signature characteristics described for the other agricultural categories, but will have darker color and
tonal signatures. Colors will range from blue-gray to black on winter CIR film and dark gray to black on
panchromatic film. In addition, these agricultural wetlands also exist in areas shown on soil surveys of
the Natural Resources Conservation Service to have hydric soils. In the 2002 update all Cranberry
farmland have been combined into this code, regardless of the presence of water.
2150 Former Agricultural Wetlands - Becoming Shrubby, not Built-up (WETLANDS)
This category was added to identify areas coded as 2140 in the baseline data set, but which do not
appear to be under active cultivation in subsequent years. These areas have not undergone any other
alterations, such as filling, grading or development, and may again be returned to the 2140 category if
the farmland is again place under cultivation. However, these wetlands may continue to develop into a
scrub/shrub wetland area if active cultivation is not resumed. As areas in a state of flux, they have been
given a separate code.
2200 ORCHARDS, VINEYARDS, NURSERIES AND HORTICULTURAL AREAS
This Level II category contains agricultural areas, which are intensively managed for production of fruits,
trees, ornamental plants, and vegetable seedlings. Wholesale greenhouses where plants are grown are
also included in this category as are orchards, nurseries, cranberry farms and blueberry farms vineyards,
sod and seed farms, and commercial greenhouses. Areas delineated include actively cultivated lands as
well as land associated with the operations as, uncultivated lands, dirt roads, dikes, etc.

30. 2210 Orchards
This category contains agricultural areas that are intensively managed as commercial orchards.
Established orchards are easily recognized on the imagery by the regular grid patterns of the planted
trees. Newly planted orchards are more difficult to identify, but the signature can be distinguished from
adjacent cropland.
2220 Vineyards
This category contains agricultural areas of intensively managed vineyards. These areas can be
recognized by a "cross-hatched" pattern cause by the Vines trained on wires and the poles used for
support in the form perpendicular lines.
2230 Nurseries
This category is comprised of areas that are intensively managed for commercial or private nurseries.
Nurseries can be recognized as narrow fields with very regular and definite rows. The colors are usually
darker in tones than other cropland. Different shades and tones are present in adjacent fields due to
the different stages of seedlings or saplings planted. These shades and tones in the narrow fields

31. present a different signature from other agricultural areas. Christmas tree farms are included in this
category.
2240 Floriculture
This category contains areas occupied by wholesale producers of flowers, nursery stock, produce, and
vegetable seedlings. These areas consist of large greenhouse operations and the associated land and
buildings. Retail greenhouse should be included in a Commercial and Services category. Retail
greenhouses can be distinguished from wholesale greenhouse operations by their size, amount of
associated land, available customer parking and general location. Hobby greenhouse associated with
private homes will not by mapped.
2250 Sod and Seed Farms
This category contains commercial sod and seed farms. These areas can be identified on the color
infrared (CIR) imagery by an even-tone deep red signature. This signature is similar to a well -maintained
golf course, but is a deeper shade of red (Note: red on CIR represents green in true color). These
operations are usually substantial in size, occupying more than 50 acres. When harvesting procedures
are in progress, the signature may exhibit some strips of bare ground. These sod farms are often
located near potential markets.
2260 Cranberry Farms

32. This category is comprised of intensively managed cranberry farms primarily located in southern New
Jersey. These areas appear as very dense rows of brush occurring in rectangular or circular fields. These
areas have irrigation systems present and are traversed by an extensive network of roads or lanes.
2270 Inactive
This one category is used to represent lands occupied by abandoned or inactive orchards, vineyards,
nurseries, and cranberry and blueberry farms. For orchards, vineyards, and nurseries, the inactive
signature appears similar to the active signature, except the patterns will be less regular. Natural
vegetation growing in the abandoned areas will cause irregular patterns and differing textures in the
signature. In some cases, the trees may be removed and earlier photography or supplemental
information may be necessary to place the area in this category. Inactive cranberry and blueberry farms
may be difficult to distinguish from the Wetlands Brushland/Bog areas.
2280 Blueberry Farms
This category is comprised of intensively managed blueberry farms primarily located in southern New
Jersey. These areas appear as very dense rows of brush generally occurring in rectangular fields.
Between the rows a bright sand signature is characteristic.

33. 2300 CONFINED FEEDING OPERATIONS
This Level II category contains specialized livestock and poultry production enterprises and other
specialty farms. These operations have high populations in relatively small areas, resulting in a
concentration of waste material. Since this concentrated animal waste is a critical environmental
concern, these areas warranted a specific Level II category. Normal structures [barns] associated with a
farmstead are not mapped in this category.
2310 Cattle and Swine Feedlots
This category contains mainly beef cattle feedlots and hog farms. Structures and attached corrals will be
mapped in this category, but any substantial acreage of associated pasture will be mapped as
Pastureland.
2320 Poultry Farms

34. This category is comprised of chicken, turkey, and duck production enterprises. These farms may be for
either egg or meat production.
2330 Specialty Farms
This category contains specialized farms, such as game farms [pheasant or quail], fish hatcheries, goat
farms, pigeon-raising areas, and rabbit production farms.
2400 OTHER AGRICULTURE
This category contains other miscellaneous agricultural areas, including experimental fields, horse farms
and isolated dikes and access roads.
2410 Experimental Agriculture Fields

35. This category contains experimental crop areas associated with agriculture research stations,
universities, or industries. These areas are for research purposes and contain many different crops in
one field.
2420 Isolated Structures for Crop or Equipment Storage
This category contains storage buildings which are not adjacent to the farmsteads. These areas include
isolated grain silos, crop storage sheds, and sheds for storage of farm machinery.
2430 Horse Farm
This category contains specialized farms for raising and training horses. This includes horse barns,
corrals, and training racetracks. The oval training racetracks are easily recognized on aerial
photography. Extensive acreage of pasture associated with a horse farm is mapped as Pastureland
(2120).
2440 Agricultural Dikes/Roadways

36. Included are non-cultivated portions of special agricultural areas such as dikes or roadways found in
blueberry or cranberry farms. These features may be the only portions of these farm categories that are
not inundated during certain portions of the growing season, and provide access to the wetter
cultivated portions of these farms.
3000 RANGELAND
Rangeland is not found in New Jersey, Consequently, it is omitted from the classification system.
However, in order to remain numerically consistent with the USGS Classification Codes, Rangeland's
numerical designation (#3) has also been omitted.
4000 FORESTLAND
This Level I category contains any lands covered by woody vegetation other than wetlands. These areas
are capable of producing timber and other wood products, and of supporting many kinds of outdoor
recreation. Forestland is an important category environmentally, because it affects air quality, water
quality, wildlife habitat, climate, and many other aspects of the ecology of an area. The Level II
categories under Forestland are Deciduous; Coniferous; Mixed Deciduous-Coniferous; and Brushland.

37. 4100 DECIDUOUS
This Level II category includes forested lands that contain deciduous tree species. The average height of
the stand is at least 20 feet. Areas with woody vegetation less than 20 feet high should be placed in the
Brushland category. A forest stand must have at least 75% canopy coverage from deciduous tree
species to be placed in this category.
Deciduous trees are those species which lose their leaves at the end of the growing season. These trees
remain leafless throughout the winter and sprout new leaves the following spring.
4110 Deciduous, 10-50% Crown Closure
This category contains deciduous forest stands that have crown closure greater than 10%, but less than
50%. Crown closure is the percentage of a forest area occupied by the vertical projections of tree
crowns. Crown closure percentages provide a reasonable estimate of stand density.

38. An ocular estimate of percent crown closure is made while viewing the area stereoscopically. The ocular
judgement is a reliable estimate since the category levels for closure are relatively broad: 10-50% and >
50%. This procedure will also be followed to determine percent crown closure in the other categories.
4120 Deciduous > 50% Crown Closure
This category contains deciduous stands with crown closures greater than 50%. The majority of the
deciduous forests in New Jersey will be in this category.
4200 CONIFEROUS
This Level II category includes forested lands which contain coniferous tree species. The stand must be
20 feet high and must be stocked by at least 75% conifers to be labeled as a coniferous stand.

39. Coniferous species are those trees commonly known as evergreens. They do not lose their leaves
(needless) at the end of the growing season but retain them through the year. Conifers can easily be
distinguished from deciduous trees on wintertime color infrared photography because of their high
infrared reflectance due to their leaf retention.
4210 Coniferous, 10-50% Crown Closure
This category contains natural coniferous stands with crown closure> 10%, but less than 50%.
4220 Coniferous, > 50% Crown Closure
This category contains natural coniferous stands with crown closure > 50%.
4230 Plantation

40. This category contains conifer stands that have been artificially planted. These include stands planted
for timber harvesting or aesthetics. Crown closure estimates will not be determined for plantations.
Plantations appear as uniform blocks (usually rectangular) of conifers.
Other planted stands of conifers, such as Christmas tree farms, will not be included in this category but
in the nursery category under Agriculture.
4300 MIXED DECIDUOUS/CONIFEROUS
This Level II category consists of forested areas where there is a mixture of coniferous and deciduous
trees. If less than 75% of the forest is dominated by either type then the stand is placed in the mixed
category. Only forest stands greater than 20 feet in height will be placed in this category.
4310 Mixed with Coniferous Prevalent (> 50% Coniferous)

41. This category contains stands of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees. The percentage of coniferous
trees is higher than the deciduous (>50% of the stand) but the coniferous species do not dominate the
stand ( <75%).
4311 Mixed with Coniferous Prevalent (10%-50% Crown Closure)
This category contains stands of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees with the coniferous species >
50% and with crown closures between 10% and 50%.
4312 Mixed with Coniferous Prevalent (> 50% Crown Closure)
This category contains stands of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees with the coniferous species >
50% and with crown closures > 50%.
4320 Mixed with Deciduous Prevalent (> 50% Deciduous)

42. This category contains stands of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees. The percentage of deciduous
trees is higher than the coniferous (> 50%), but the deciduous species do not dominate the stand (<
75%).
4321 Mixed with Deciduous Prevalent (10%-50% Crown Closure)
This category contains stands of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees with the deciduous species > 50%
and crown closures between 10% and 50%.
4322 Mixed with Deciduous Prevalent (> 50% Crown Closure)
This category contains stands of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees with the deciduous species > 50%
and crown closures > 50%.
4400 BRUSHLAND/SHRUBLAND (Height<20 feet)

43. This Level II category contains forestlands, which are predominately between 0 and 20 feet in height.
Vegetative communities in these areas may range from early successional species which are only a few
years old, to climax or sub-climax communities which are many years old. Also included in this category
are old fields that are covered primarily by grasses and some shrubs. Brushland areas represent critical
habitat for many species of wildlife in New Jersey.
4410 Old Field (<25% Brush Covered)
This category includes open areas that have less than 25% brush cover. The predominant cover types
are grasses, herbaceous species, tree seedlings and/or saplings. Old fields are distinguished from
inactive farmland (2130) by the amount of brush cover. If a field contains few woody stems (<5%), it
should be placed in the inactive farmland category. An area should be placed in the Old Field category if
the amount of brush cover requires extensive brush removal before plowing. In some cases, it may not
be established that the previous use was agricultural.
4411 Phragmites Dominate Old Field (2002)
This category contains open fields where the common reed, Phragmites australis dominates. The
photographic signatures for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to silvery pale
white.

44. 4420 Deciduous Brush/Shrubland (>25% Brush Covered with Deciduous Species Predominant > 75%)
This category contains natural forested areas with deciduous species less than 20 feet in height. An area
must have greater than 25% brush cover to be placed in this category. This category also contains
inactive agricultural areas that have been grown over with brush.
There are photographic signature differences between brushland and the pole or saw-timber stage trees
(Categories 4100, 4200, 4300). Besides the obvious height difference visible on stereo viewing, larger
trees display much larger crown diameters than brushland areas.
4430 Coniferous Brush/Shrubland (>25% Brush Covered with Coniferous Species Predominant > 75%).
This category contains natural forested areas with coniferous species less than 20 feet high. This
category is for natural areas; therefore, Christmas tree farms should be placed in the Nursery category
(223).
4440 Mixed Deciduous/Coniferous Brush/Shrubland (>25% Brush Covered with a Mixture of Deciduous
Coniferous Species; <75% of One Type)

45. This category contains natural forested areas less than 20 feet in height with a mixture of coniferous and
deciduous trees.
4500 SEVERE BURNED UPLAND VEGETATION
Included in this category are naturally vegetated upland areas which have been altered by intense
burning. These burned areas have not re-vegetated sufficiently on the photography, or at the time of
any field inspection undertaken to support a mapping effort, to make a determination of the type of
vegetation that will re-appear in the burned area. The pre-burn cover type may be any of those listed
above in the 4000 series. Where sufficient re-vegetation has occurred to determine a post-burn cover
type, the burned area is given the appropriate land cover code. However, where the re -vegetation has
been insufficient, the 4500 code has been applied. Note that many different upland forest types may
be included in this category.
5000 WATER
All areas within the landmass of New Jersey periodically water covered are included in this category. All
water bodies should be delineated as they exist at the time of data acquisition, except areas in an
obvious state of flood. Level I includes four (4) Level II categories; Streams and Canals; Natural Lakes;
Artificial Lakes; and Bays and Estuaries. Not included in this category are water treatment and sewage
treatment facilities.

46. 5100 STREAMS & CANALS
This category includes river, creeks, canals and other linear water bodies that have a minimum width of
80 feet. For watercourses interrupted by control structures, the impoundments are placed in other
appropriate water categories (see below), and the impoundment structures are included in the Urban or
Built-up category. Remote sensing of these features is not difficult. Colors on infrared photography
range from light blue to black, and on the black & white photography the tones range from medium gray
to black. The signature can be smooth or rippled depending on the conditions at the time of the
photography. The greatest difficulty occurs when overhanging vegetation or shadows obscure the
extent of the watercourse.
5110 Streams
This category includes streams that are no less than 80 feet wide. These features are easily recognized
on aerial photography because of their meandering pattern and variable width due to natural fluvial
processes. Short distances of WC constriction which fall under the minimum width standard may be
included for the sake of continuity. The photographic characteristics of streams are much too numerous
and obvious to list. Specific comments on signature and problems are discussed under category 5100.
5120 Canals

47. This feature may be no less than 80 feet wide and like streams is easily recognized on aerial
photography. Canals are consistent in width, do not meander, are sometimes bordered by a towpath
and often utilize a lock system. Along the length of the canal are found clusters of buildings that
formerly serviced the canal track when it was a transportation entity. In New Jersey these clusters along
with the canal and the towpath often comprise either historic sites or parkland and should be included
under those categories when such information is available.
5200 NATURAL LAKES
Water bodies larger than three acres that are non-flowing and naturally enclosed, including regulated
natural lakes but excluding reservoirs, are placed in this category. Islands less than three (3) acres are
included in the water area. To identify this feature accurately, it is important to remember natural lakes
are the results of ground water seepage and surface run-off of precipitation, whereas reservoirs are the
result of man-made impoundments and are maintained primarily by linear watercourses. Remote
sensing of this feature, once again is simple. The signatures and attendant problems are discussed
under category 5100.
5210 Small Lakes
These features have an areal range of one (1) to two (2) acres. Confer with category 5200.

48. 5220 Medium Lakes
These features have an areal range of two (2) to ten (10) acres. Confer with category 5200.
5230 Large Lakes
These features will be greater than ten (10) acres in area. Confer with category 5200.
5300 ARTIFICIAL LAKES & RESERVOIRS
Artificial impoundments of water larger than three (3) acres used for irrigation, flood control, municipal
water supplies, recreation, landscaping and hydro-electric power or the result of an active extractive
operation are included in this category. Dams, bulkheads, spillways and other water control structures
should be evident and are critical for accurately identifying these features. Also important to remember
is that artificial lakes and reservoirs are charged primarily through linear WCs. Photo identification
should key on the non-linear shapes of these features, the water control structures, and the signatures
discussed in category 5100. All water reservoirs supporting cranberry operations will be included,
however, water within dikes will be included in the agriculture codes for the 2002 update.

49. 5310 Artificial Lakes
Water bodies one acre or larger are included in this category. Since the primary use for these artificial
lakes is recreation, some recreational characteristics such as beaches, refreshment stands, parking lots,
boat slips, etc. should be present. Frequently, residential development approaches the lake shoreline.
Aerial interpretation is discussed under category 5300.
5320 Multiple Use Reservoirs
Water bodies of one acre or larger are included in this category. The two most common combinations
are flood control/recreation and hydro-electric/recreation. As in category 5310, the recreational and
water control characteristics should be present and obvious. In addition, if the water body is used for
flood control, the water level should be well below the maximum capacity, and, if the water body is
used for hydroelectric purposes, the generating station should be present. Confer with category 53 for
more specific identification information.
5330 Restrictive Use Reservoirs

50. Once again the minimum size of this feature is one acre. Most restricted use reservoirs are municipal
water supplies. Thus, they are located in more remote, less trafficked areas of the state. They are
characterized by limited road access and dense surrounding vegetation. No recreational characteristics
should be present. Confer with category 5300 for more specific identification information.
5400 BAYS, ESTUARIES & OTHER TIDAL WATERS
This category is comprised of salt-water inlets and arms of the sea that extend inland and fall within the
landmass of New Jersey. All U.S.G.S. conventions delineating the open sea and bay/estuary interface
shall be followed.
5410 Tidal Rivers, Inland Bays and Other Tidal waters
Included in this category are the tidal portions of watercourses, enclosed tidal bays, and other tidal
water bodies such as tidal pools, ponds and natural lagoons. The tidal watercourses may include
everything from smaller entirely tidal features commonly draining tidal marsh systems, to the tidal
portions of intermediate and large features such as the Mullica River, the Raritan River, and even the
Delaware River. Enclosed tidal bays are those open water tidal features existing commonly behind
barrier island systems. These bays generally have a restricted opening to larger tidal features such as
Delaware Bay or the Atlantic Ocean. While these features are regularly flushed, portions of these
enclosed bays may have complex flushing patterns due to the relatively small outlets. These small bays
provide important finfish, shellfish and waterfowl habitat, as well as important recreational potential.
Tidal pools and ponds generally will be found in the interior portions of regularly flowed tidal marshes,
but these waterbodies themselves may not be flooded on every tidal cycle.

51. 5411 Open Tidal Bays
Included in this category are large tidal waterbodies such as Delaware and Raritan Bays, which have
large unrestricted openings directly to the Atlantic Ocean.
5420 Dredged Lagoon, Artificial
Artificial dredged lagoons are networks of rectangular dredged areas, containing water, usually
associated with residential development or mobile home development. Dredged lagoons are generally
in sites of former wetlands and have characteristically bulkheaded shorelines. They usually feed into a
central dredged waterway that gives access to open tidal water.
5430 Atlantic Ocean
This category includes only open water off areas of the Atlantic Ocean. (It was added to identify open
ocean offshore waters from those of tidal bays and rivers for water quality analyses).

52. 6000 WETLANDS
The wetlands are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground waters at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.
Included in this category are naturally vegetated swamps, marshes, bogs and savannas which are
normally associated with topographically low elevations but may be located at any elevation where
water perches over an aquiclude. Wetlands that have been modified for recreation, agriculture, or
industry will not be included here but described under the specific use category.
The wetlands of New Jersey are located around the numerous interior stream systems, and along our
coastal rivers and bays. New Jersey, by its numerous different physiographic regions, supports various
wetland habitats dependent upon physiographic and geological variables. The Level II classification
separates wetlands into two categories based on the location relative to a tidal water system.
6100 COASTAL WETLANDS
These areas are associated with the tidal portions of the Delaware River system and the tidal portions of
the watercourses draining into the Atlantic Ocean. This cover type is predominantly vegetated by
herbaceous plants adapted to the varied environmental conditions imposed by the tidal environment:
water level fluctuations, salinity and sediment deposition. Also included are those non-tidal areas

53. closely associated with adjacent coastal wetlands such as salt marsh transition zones and coastal
vegetated dunes.
6110 Saline Marshes
These are open graminoid dominated regions associated with waters with salinities >1 part per
thousand (0/00). Saline marshes are generally dominated by two growth forms of Spartina alterniflora
in regions with the highest salinities. Marshes flowed by water less than 10 0/00 are generally brackish
and co-dominated by Spartina cynosuroides, S. alterniflora, Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, and
Scirpus pungens.
Marshes exhibiting these characteristics are restricted to the Delaware Bay and associated tributaries
downstream of Salem and all estuarine tributaries that empty into the Atlantic Ocean. The
photographic signatures for these areas are smooth and low, and range in color from red to pinks on
summer infrared photographs.
The following Level III classifications of saline marshes have been added for 2002 to further delineate
the coastal marshes of previous delineation. The separation is primarily by visible texture and species
composition.

54. 6111 Saline Marshes (Low marsh vegetation) (2002)
This category contains herbaceous vegetation dominated by Spartina alternifloria where the height is <1
foot and is primarily flooded throughout. The photographic signature for these areas range in color
from blues to red.
6112 Saline Marshes (High marsh vegetation) (2002)
This category contains herbaceous vegetation dominated by Spartina patens where the height is 1 foot
to 3 feet. The photographic signature for these areas range in color from red to pink or pale white.
6120 Freshwater Tidal Marshes
These marshes are co-dominated by annual and perennial herbaceous vegetation on substrates
associated with tidal waters with salinities less than 1 0/00. Freshwater marsh species are characterized
by Nuphar lutea, Peltandra virginica, Pontederia cordata, Zizania aquatica, Polygonum punctatum,
Bidens laevis, and Typha latifolia. Marshes exhibiting this cover are found on the tidal Delaware River
and tributaries downstream of Trenton to Salem and upstream of the saline marshes on the Atlantic
drainage watercourses. Non-tidal marshes are listed under interior wetlands. The photographic
signatures for these areas are both smooth-and rough-textured with little elevation. The colors range
from dark grey to pink on summer infrared photographs.

55. 6130 Vegetated Dune Communities
These are areas near the coast that are between saline marsh and open beach. The dominant
vegetation can be Ammophila breviligulata, Prunus maritimus, Rhus radicans, Juniperus virginicus, and
Acer rubrum. The areas have open to partly closed canopied signatures that are rough in texture and
exhibit a red to red brown color on summer infrared photographs.
6141 Phragmite Dominate Coastal Wetlands (2002)
This category contains saline marsh areas where the common reed, Phragmites australis dominates. The
photographic signatures for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to silvery pale
white. Freshwater wetlands will have a cowardin code present in the attributes while saline marshes will
have no cowardin code.
6200 INTERIOR WETLANDS
These are generally found in non-tidal lowlands associated with primary, secondary and tertiary
watercourses, and isolated wetlands. Included under this heading are all forested wetland (regardless
of tidal influences) dominated by deciduous and coniferous trees, and non-tidal herbaceous marshes
and savannas.

56. 6210 Deciduous Wooded Wetlands
These wetlands are closed canopy swamps dominated by deciduous trees normally associated with
watercourses, edges of marshes, and isolated wetlands. The important canopy species includes Acer
rubrum, Nyssa sylvatica, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Salix nigra, Quercus bicolor, Q. phellos, Q. falcata,
Liquidambar styraciflua, and Platanus occidentalis. These species combine to form a series of mixed
hardwood lowland habitats throughout the entire state. These species have photographic signatures
that exhibit height, rough texture, and are dark blue-gray to dark gray or black on winter infrared, and
gray to dark gray on panchromatic film.
6220 Coniferous Wooded Wetlands
These wetlands are closed canopy, dominated by coniferous tree species associated with watercourses,
seeps, and low topographic land. The northern areas will support Tsuga canadensis, Larix laricina, and
Picea mariana as monotypic stands or mixed communities. The southern portion of the State has Pinus
rigida and P. taeda in monotypic communities or co-dominate with Acer rubrum. Other species such as
Nyssa sylvatica and Chamaecyparis thyoides may also be present. These species have photographic
signatures that are varied in texture and are red to dark red on winter infrared film and dark gray to
black on winter panchromatic film.

57. 6221 Atlantic White-cedar Wetlands
These wetlands are predominantly closed canopy, seasonally flooded wetlands of southern New Jersey
dominated by Atlantic White-cedar, Chamaecyparis thyoides. Some other trees such as Acer rubrum
and Nyssa sylvatica, and shrubs such as Vaccinium corymbosum may also be present. The dense cedar
cover, however, generally precludes a heavy herbaceous layer.
6230 Brush-Dominate and Bog Wetlands
These wetlands are dominated by woody species that are less than 20 feet tall. These areas may be an
early successionary stage to wetland dominated by canopy species or a shrub dominate community
associated with marshes, isolated wetlands or bogs. The brush category will include communities
composed of young saplings such as Acer rubrum, Acer negundo, Liquidambar styraciflua, and areas
dominated by shrub species such as Cornus amomum, C. stolonifera, C. racemosa, Spirea alba, S.
tomentosa, Viburnum dentatum, and Alnus serrulata. Bogs are Ericaceae dominated and highly acidic,
normally associated with glacial areas in the north and pingoes or river ox bows in the south. Some bogs
may also contain herbaceous vegetation that is unique to these habitats yet classified by this system as
6240, non-tidal marsh. The photographic signature for those cover types vary. The brush-dominated
areas will have a similar signature as 6210 with more space and smaller stature. The bog areas will be
round to oval, low topographically and normally separated from major watercourses. The color seen on
winter infrared photographs will be dark blue-gray to black and dark gray to black on the panchromatic
films.
6231 Deciduous Brush and Bog Wetlands

58. This brush category will include communities composed primarily of young samplings of deciduous tree
species such as Acer rubrum, A. negundo, Liquidamber stryaciflua, Alnus serrulata, Cornus stolonifer,
and C. amomum; and woody shrubs such as Vaccinium corymbosum, V. macrocarpon, Spirea alba,
Viburnum dentatum, Rosa palustris, Myrica pennsylvania, M. gale, Clethra alnifolia, Cephalanthus
occidentalis and Rhododendron viscosum, among others.
6232 Coniferous Brush and Bog Wetlands
This brush category will include communities composed primarily of young samplings of coniferous tree
species such as Pinus rigida, Larix larcinia, Tusga canadensis, and Picea mariana, and shrubs such as
Chamaedaphne calyculata, and Kalmia angustifolia.
6233 Mixed Brush and Bog Wetlands with Deciduous Dominant
Included in this category are brush and bog wetlands with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous
species, with the deciduous species > 50% but < 75%. Species will be similar to those described under
6231 and 6232.
6234 Mixed Brush and Bog Wetlands with Coniferous Dominant

59. Included in this category are brush and bog wetlands with a mixture of deciduous and coniferous
species, with the coniferous species > 50% but < 75%. Species will be similar to those described under
6231 and 6232.
6240 Non-Tidal Marshes
These are wetlands dominated by various herbaceous species that are not connected or associated with
tidal waters. Lake edges, open flood plains and abandoned wetland agricultural fields are locations for
this cover type. Leersia oryzoides, Phalaris arundinacea, Nuphar lutea, Polygonum arifolium, P.
sagittatum, Typha latifolia and Phragmites are species that may dominate this cover type. Bog
herbaceous vegetation will be covered by this section includes numerous Cyperaceae genera, Juncus sp.
and the carnivorous genera of Drosera and Sarracenia. This cover type will have a similar photographic
signature as 6120, varied texture, and light blue-gray or tan color on winter infrared and light gray on
the panchromatic photograph.
6241 Phragmite Dominate Interior Wetlands (2002)
This category contains fresh marsh areas where the common reed, Phragmites australis dominates. The
photographic signatures for these areas are rough and puffy and range in color from tan to silvery pale
white. Freshwater wetlands will have a cowardin code present in the attributes while saline marshes will
have no cowardin code.

60. 6250 Mixed Wooded Wetlands
Included in this category are wetlands inhabited by mixtures of deciduous and coniferous species.
Species of each type will be similar to those identified under 6210 and 6220. The dominant type of
vegetation will generally be greater than 50% but less than 75%.
6251 Mixed Wooded Wetland with Deciduous Prevalent
This category contains mixed wooded wetlands with the deciduous tree species > 50 % but < 75%.
6252 Mixed Wooded Wetlands with Coniferous Prevalent
This category contains mixed wooded wetlands with the coniferous tree species > 50% but < 75%.
6500 SEVERE BURNED WETLANDS

61. Included in this category are naturally vegetated wetland areas which have been altered by intense
burning at the time of the land cover analysis. These burned areas have not re-vegetated sufficiently on
the photography, or at the time of any field inspection undertaken to support a mapping effort, to make
a determination of the type of vegetation that will re-appear in the burned area. The pre-burn cover
type may be any of those listed above in the 6200 series. Where sufficient re-vegetation has occurred to
determine a post-burn cover type, the burned area is given the appropriate land cover code. However,
where the re-vegetation has been insufficient, the 6500 code has been applied. Note that many
different wetland types may be included in this category.
7000 BARREN LAND
Barren lands are characterized by thin soil, sand or rocks and a lack of vegetative cover in a non-urban
setting. Vegetation, if present, is widely spaced. Barren land such as beaches and rock faces are found
in nature but also result as a product of man's activities. Extraction mining operations, landfills and
other disposal sites compose the majority of man-altered barren lands.
7100 BEACHES

62. Beaches are predominantly composed of sand and may occur at the land-water interface of oceans,
bays and estuaries. Beaches are generally elongated non-vegetated buffering systems subject to the
action of waves and tides.
7110 Open Beach
The open beach potentially includes the sandy area from mean low water (MLW) of the foreshore to the
berm crest and the backshore. The open beach is characterized by sparse vegetative cover. Other
substrate types may be intermixed with sand, including pebbles, stones, silts and shells.
7120 Unvegetated Dune Communities
Unvegetated dune communities are comprised of areas with sparse vegetative cover, with sand
substrate and with notable changes in elevations. These areas have a wind-driven origin and vary in size
and shape. Dunes are found in coastal areas near large sources of sand. Vegetated dune areas are
included in the Wetland categories.
7130 Other Sandy Areas

63. This category includes natural areas that have been sandy for long periods of time and perturbed areas
which have been sandy and for which no known land use is evident.
7200 BARE EXPOSED ROCK, ROCK SLIDES, ETC.
Areas lacking vegetation and composed of rock or rock faces are included in this category. Exposed rock
from highway construction is not included in this category.
7210 Rock Faces, Rock Slides, Cliffs
This category includes rock faces on mountains, rock slides and cliffs which are sparsely vegetated.
These exposed types have a large vertical component.
7220 Exposed Rock

64. Areas consisting of exposed bedrock or other accumulation of rocks lacking vegetative cover are
included. These areas have a small vertical component compared to rock faces, etc.
7300 EXTRACTIVE MINING
Extractive operations include a wide variety of mining activities, both surface and subsurface. Included
are stone quarries, gravel, sand and clay pits, and limestone quarries to mention a few. Extractive
industries are characterized by disturbed ground usually with depth, extractive machinery, buildings and
roads for and with heavy equipment. Open mining areas frequently contain water. Extractive mining
areas may be large as stone quarries or small as borrow pits.
7310 Stone Quarries
Stone quarries are characterized by right-angled rock cleavage, flat terraces, and straight vertical walls.
Drill stands, air compressors and similar extractive machinery and buildings may be visible.

65. 7320 Sand and Gravel Pits (Borrow Pits)
Sand and gravel pits have curved borders and sloping walls. They often lack the vertical relief of quarries
and do not generally have exposed rock associated with them. Steam shovels, bulldozers, and
mechanical loaders are associated with these tow types of extraction. Sand pits may have water and
consequently, dredging equipment associated with them. Sand and gravel pits show wide variability in
size.
7330 Other Mining
Other types of mining are characterized by disturbed ground with depth, slag heaps, shafts, buildings,
and active transportation (trucks, roads for heavy machinery, railways).
7340 Abandoned Mining Sites
Abandoned operations are often partially vegetated and may be accompanied by machinery, roads and
buildings in disrepair. When vegetation dominates the site, the parcel is characterized by cover type. In
contrast, active operations show evidence of operational equipment and buildings, roads for heavy
machinery, etc. Current mining activity is not always distinguishable, and inactive, unclaimed and active
strip, mines, quarries barrens pits and gravel pits are included in this category, until other cover or use is
established.

66. 7400 ALTERED LANDS
Altered lands are areas outside of an urban setting that have been changed due to man's activities other
than for mining.
7410 Solid Waste Disposal Areas
Junkyards, open dumps, landfills and incinerators compose the majority of solid waste disposal sites.
Junkyards are collection of old automobiles, machinery or other vehicles. Larger junkyards are fenced
and have regular stacking and placing of debris, with well -defined access roads. Older abandoned yards
may be vegetated and difficult to detect.
Open dumps and sanitary landfills are usually located in abandoned pits, low-lying areas or other areas
of low economic importance. They are characterized by steep banks, white fringes of expose debris,
rough texture and lack of vegetation. Larger dumps/landfills are fenced and generally have one heavily
used access road.

67. 7420 Dredge Material Disposal Sites
Dredge material disposal sites are barren areas separated from other land forms by dikes. Inside the
rectangular dike systems are fine grained sands and silts either deposited in piles but more likely
forming a slurry with varying amounts of water within the dike system. Old dredge material site may
appear as landfills with steep sides and rough texture but without exposed debris or signs of active
management.
7430 Disturbed Wetlands
Included in this category are former natural wetlands that have been altered by some form of clearing,
leveling, grading, filling and/or excavating, but which still exhibit obvious signs of soil saturation on the
imagery. Because of the alterations, these areas do not generally support typical wetland vegetation,
and may in fact be unvegetated. They do, however, exist in areas shown on the US Soil Conservation
Service soil surveys to have hydric soils, and exhibit the darker tonal signatures associated with
saturated soils on the photography. Colors of these areas will vary from gray to blue -gray to black on
winter CIR film and gray to black on panchromatic film. These areas may be in transition to a use or
associated with a transitional development.
7500 TRANSITIONAL AREAS

68. This category encompasses lands on which site preparation for a variety of development types has
begun. However, the future land use has not been realized. Included are residential, commercial and
industrial areas under construction. Also, areas that are under construction for unknown use and
abandoned structures are included. These areas are usually sparsely vegetated.
Transitional Areas
7510 Single Unit Residential Under Construction
7520 Multiple Unit Residential Under Construction
7530 Commercial/Service Under Construction
7540 Industrial Under Construction
7550 Transportation/Communication/Utilities Under Construction

69. 7560 Industrial/Commercial Parks Under Construction
7570 Unknown Use Under Construction
7580 Abandoned Structures (Non-Urban)
7600 UNDIFFERENTIATED BARREN LAND
Undifferentiated barren lands encompass cleared lands that have no apparent site preparation or any
indication of past activities. Such areas vary in shape and size but generally possess little vegetation,
exposing the soil or surface material only. Anci llary information also gives no indication of former uses.
8000 MANAGED WETLANDS

70. This category was added to provide an Anderson classification code for several types of disturbed
wetland areas that did not easily fit into the existing classification categories. Included would be various
landscaped or maintained areas that exhibit signs of soil saturation on the imagery, and which are in
zones of hydric soils, but which do not support typical wetlands vegetation because of various
alterations. Examples of managed wetlands would be storm water swales, saturated portions of golf
fairways and other recreational fields, and open lawn areas in business parks, etc. These areas have
often been graded, are vegetated typically by various cultivated grasses and often undergo periodic
mowing and other maintenance typical of managed lawn areas. (This code is a legacy code that appears
only in the 1986 data set. It has been replaced by codes 1750 and 1850 in the updated data set)
01/01/2007